The Ministry of Health has today Wednesday, November 6, 2024, issued fresh directives regarding the health facility that was at the centre of an alleged botched plastic surgery that led to the death of Lucy Wambui.
In a statement obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the Health Ministry, through Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, has directed health regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough assessment of the facility and staff involved in the case.
“Health regulatory agencies are directed to conduct a thorough assessment of the facility and staff involved in this case, to prevent further incidents of this nature,” the statement read in part.
The Health Ministry has mandated the Kenya Health Professional Oversight Authority (KHPOA), to lead the exercise and submit a report in 30 days effective from today.
“By copy of this letter, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Health Professional Oversight Authority (KHPOA), to coordinate this exercise and submit a comprehensive report in 30 days with effect from the date of this letter,” the statement noted.
Aside from the assessment set to be done at the embattled health facility, the ministry has also mandated the agencies to do assessments on similar facilities to ensure compliance and protect the public.
“Additionally, the agencies carry out assessment in all similar facilities to ensure compliance with health standards and patient safety to safeguard the well-being of the public,” the statement read.
The new directives come after an investigation by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dental Council (KMPDC) revealed that the health facility was guilty of contravening the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act as well as malpractice and non-compliance with health standards.
“Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dental Council (KMPDC) investigation of the incident revealed serious malpractices and non-compliance with health standards pursuant to Sections 4 and 15 of the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253),” the statement showed.
After news of Lucy Wambui’s death resulting from the botched surgery broke out, the government moved swiftly to close the health facility and commence preliminary investigations. However, the facility distanced itself from any wrongdoing but admitted that the woman visited the hospital for plastic surgery.
The owners of the facility then proceeded to appeal against its closure. In their application, they argued that the hospital was fully registered and was compliant with all regulatory requirements. According to their lawyer Danstan Omarai, the facility was fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and surgeons.
Lucy Wambui was on Tuesday, November 5, in Redhill, Limuru, at a funeral attended by impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The former DP called upon the Health Ministry to protect Kenyans from rogue health facilities that pose a genuine threat to their lives and safety.
